I like that idea of a microseasonal sktechbook Ann. A really great way to capture ideas and impressions of Nature and the changes all around during the microseasons.
Love your quote: "The Mind is a Poet always writing a poem about its enfleshed experience."
This Summer, my own mind poet has been trying to expand my encounters in Nature outside of the bird world. In the past, I have focused too much on birds at the expense of everything else in Nature like wildlfe, plants, rocks, etc.
I respect your practice of writing Sijo poems, Neil. Your faithfulness inspires me. I think it's good to start with what naturally draws your attention, and then gently expand as you want. You may want to go even deeper into your art and study of birds--their flight patterns, ways of nesting , choice of mates, care for each other...on and on. The Mind loves what it loves. It is a beautiful mystery.
A really enjoyable read Ann with some inspiring ideas. I love that your sketchbook is 'equal parts science and art, detail and fairytale, reality and fantasy.' If I had produced something similar I would hope that it was passed from generation to generation.
I think this is a lovely way to detail your journey through the Microseasons. I am now inspired to produce my own sketchbook. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Gill, your sketching with photographs is a beautiful and liberating way to practice. It would make the most fascinating book of microseasons, or beloved places, or playful experiments, or whatever you would love to collect. Thank you for reading here!
So beautiful and inspiring! I learned about microseasons here, thanks to you, and have been learning about the concept and I find it so grounding. It's a beautiful way of noticing... just noticing. And I love the idea of a journal!
And now you went and shared Paulus Berensohn channel and his handmade books... I know what I will be learning next!
Ah, Sara! This is exactly the space I felt when I wrote to you. I hope you new delight in every incredibly "ordinary" day! Like you, Paulus was a potter. I'm glad you know him now. 🤎
Yes, I just realised it when I searched his name! What an amazing person he must have been.
I wish I would have known about him when I visited North Carolina (a bazillion years ago...). Well, I was a very different person back then and pottery hadn't even entered my life yet. Still, one can but wonder what if...
I know of him now, I will look for his book and try to watch the documentary.
Oh good luck! I'm sure you'll find one -- I have looked online for a used copy and so far all available are in the US. I'll keep looking as the shipping costs more than the book itself 😣
Maybe I can find one and send it over to you, Sara! I’ll keep my eye out for one on my next trip to McKay’s (a big used book store near me with lots of local books)
Don't know what to say, really... That's so kind of you to offer, it might be cheaper indeed if a private person sends it vs a store - it would be amazing, thank you very much!
I appreciate this reminder that we cannot carry everything with us, but the process of selecting which details to remember and treasure is its own form of art, its own kind of poetry. Thank you!
Jenna, I agree! For me, it's been poignant to see this as a lifelong continual process--memories keep being re-written and time-polished over the years. I love noticing what becomes part of the poetry of a particular day or set of events.
I love love love seeing your pages and the digital creations as well.Both are absolutely infused with your grace, Ann. One of the items on my list of 50 things to do on my birthday weekend was watch the Paulus Berensohn documentary. So finding him here as well feels like another gift.
I love your 50 Things list, Kortney! Paulus put so much love into his teaching--his ideas are still evergreen. It would have been amazing to take a class with him.
The butterfly wing speaks to me, Ann. The remnant and incompleteness of it seems so profound. Mysterious and invites inquiry. A beautiful post and reflection as always your words and images are inspiring. Thank you!
Thank you, Stella. Each one I find is a clue to a story that will always be a mystery. The colors (Luna moth green!) and the details are so intricate. I noticed the white spots along the edge of the Tiger Swallowtail resemble a waxing moon. 🌗
I have definitely noticed those celtic knot style designs in the forest here. Awhile back I became fascinated with a tree whose roots had formed around a rock. I've been picking blueberries from one side of the forest and lingonberries from another side. I'm grateful and very much enjoying the fresh berries.
Thank you for showing me what to do with my Luna moth wings. Thank you for everything, sister, kin of the mountains.🌱🌿
Thank you for living & breathing, my sister, for your generous heart. 💚
I like that idea of a microseasonal sktechbook Ann. A really great way to capture ideas and impressions of Nature and the changes all around during the microseasons.
Love your quote: "The Mind is a Poet always writing a poem about its enfleshed experience."
This Summer, my own mind poet has been trying to expand my encounters in Nature outside of the bird world. In the past, I have focused too much on birds at the expense of everything else in Nature like wildlfe, plants, rocks, etc.
I respect your practice of writing Sijo poems, Neil. Your faithfulness inspires me. I think it's good to start with what naturally draws your attention, and then gently expand as you want. You may want to go even deeper into your art and study of birds--their flight patterns, ways of nesting , choice of mates, care for each other...on and on. The Mind loves what it loves. It is a beautiful mystery.
Thanks Ann and that's a great point about going into a deeper study of a subject.
A really enjoyable read Ann with some inspiring ideas. I love that your sketchbook is 'equal parts science and art, detail and fairytale, reality and fantasy.' If I had produced something similar I would hope that it was passed from generation to generation.
I think this is a lovely way to detail your journey through the Microseasons. I am now inspired to produce my own sketchbook. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Gill, your sketching with photographs is a beautiful and liberating way to practice. It would make the most fascinating book of microseasons, or beloved places, or playful experiments, or whatever you would love to collect. Thank you for reading here!
So beautiful! I feel inspired to experience my day and my years in a different way.
Thank you so much, Sydney. I hope you find many small, new reasons to love this day!
So beautiful and inspiring! I learned about microseasons here, thanks to you, and have been learning about the concept and I find it so grounding. It's a beautiful way of noticing... just noticing. And I love the idea of a journal!
And now you went and shared Paulus Berensohn channel and his handmade books... I know what I will be learning next!
Thank you so much, Ann! 🙏🏽🤎
Ah, Sara! This is exactly the space I felt when I wrote to you. I hope you new delight in every incredibly "ordinary" day! Like you, Paulus was a potter. I'm glad you know him now. 🤎
🤎
Yes, I just realised it when I searched his name! What an amazing person he must have been.
I wish I would have known about him when I visited North Carolina (a bazillion years ago...). Well, I was a very different person back then and pottery hadn't even entered my life yet. Still, one can but wonder what if...
I know of him now, I will look for his book and try to watch the documentary.
Here in North Carolina, we have a lot of wonderful used book shops. I need to look for his book!
Oh good luck! I'm sure you'll find one -- I have looked online for a used copy and so far all available are in the US. I'll keep looking as the shipping costs more than the book itself 😣
Maybe I can find one and send it over to you, Sara! I’ll keep my eye out for one on my next trip to McKay’s (a big used book store near me with lots of local books)
Don't know what to say, really... That's so kind of you to offer, it might be cheaper indeed if a private person sends it vs a store - it would be amazing, thank you very much!
Your micro-seasonal sketchbook is the ultimate love note! Thanks for sharing your process and mindful intentions.
Oh my goodness, MK, the forest writes me so many love notes. I just try to keep collecting them.
Oh this is the perfect description! A love note! So much passion + depth live in those pages.
Loved this:
We make art to praise, thank, and express our gratitude to the earth.
—Paulus Berensohn
How beautiful and how true… and I would add to extend those sentiments to ourselves, our mediums, our hearts and minds…
Beautifully expressed, Vanessa. True.
I appreciate this reminder that we cannot carry everything with us, but the process of selecting which details to remember and treasure is its own form of art, its own kind of poetry. Thank you!
Jenna, I agree! For me, it's been poignant to see this as a lifelong continual process--memories keep being re-written and time-polished over the years. I love noticing what becomes part of the poetry of a particular day or set of events.
I love love love seeing your pages and the digital creations as well.Both are absolutely infused with your grace, Ann. One of the items on my list of 50 things to do on my birthday weekend was watch the Paulus Berensohn documentary. So finding him here as well feels like another gift.
I love your 50 Things list, Kortney! Paulus put so much love into his teaching--his ideas are still evergreen. It would have been amazing to take a class with him.
Just viewing nature, being inspired by its beauty. Here’s a recent poem of mine.
Round
Sound of sweat in breaking sea wave
morning’s heat now dressed to dance
a song full, sweet lay there
round to the touch.
The butterfly wing speaks to me, Ann. The remnant and incompleteness of it seems so profound. Mysterious and invites inquiry. A beautiful post and reflection as always your words and images are inspiring. Thank you!
Thank you, Stella. Each one I find is a clue to a story that will always be a mystery. The colors (Luna moth green!) and the details are so intricate. I noticed the white spots along the edge of the Tiger Swallowtail resemble a waxing moon. 🌗
What a treasure-house you are building in your sketchbook, Ann! Such a gift for yourself and for whoever finds and opens it in time to come. 💛🌿
My sandbox to play in! :)
The wings! xx
Whoever finds your book years from now will truly have discovered a magical gift, Ann. xoxo
I have definitely noticed those celtic knot style designs in the forest here. Awhile back I became fascinated with a tree whose roots had formed around a rock. I've been picking blueberries from one side of the forest and lingonberries from another side. I'm grateful and very much enjoying the fresh berries.
Such beautiful devotion to nature and poetry, this is so inspiring to me 🦋
So happy to hear that, Jennae. I love the way creative sparks fly out and spread.